Is Shrikhand Ok for Fasting During Hindu Festivals?

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Dairy products like yogurt and milk are considered sattvic and permitted during most fasts. This makes shrikhand ok for fasting, when prepared with suitable ingredients.

Quick Summary

Shrikhand, a yogurt dessert, is acceptable for Hindu fasting when made with vrat-friendly ingredients. Its nutritional value helps sustain energy during fasts, though ingredient sourcing and preparation methods are crucial.

Key Points

Permissible During Fasting: Shrikhand is generally considered ok for Hindu fasting because its base, hung curd, is a sattvic food item.
Ingredient Awareness is Key: The fasting status of shrikhand depends entirely on its ingredients; ensure all additions like sweeteners, salts, and flavorings are vrat-friendly.
Avoid Regular Salt: Instead of common table salt, use sendha namak (rock salt), which is the standard for most Hindu fasts.
Natural Sweeteners are Preferred: For sweeteners, opt for powdered mishri (rock sugar) or jaggery over refined sugar, although some fasts allow regular sugar.
Nutritious and Energizing: Shrikhand provides a good source of protein, probiotics, and energy, making it beneficial for sustaining energy levels during a fast.
Use Fresh, Pure Ingredients: Avoid shrikhand with processed additives, artificial flavors, or non-permissible ingredients like onions or garlic.

Understanding the Fasting Guidelines

Many Hindu festivals involve observing a vrat, or fast. Dietary rules vary depending on customs, traditions, and the type of fast. A common principle is adhering to sattvic food, which promotes calmness and clarity.

Curd, or dahi, the primary shrikhand ingredient, is considered sattvic and permitted during most fasts. The acceptability of shrikhand depends entirely on its accompanying ingredients. Traditional shrikhand includes hung curd, sugar, and spices like cardamom and saffron, which are generally acceptable. Issues arise when non-fasting ingredients are used, such as common table salt, processed sugar, or certain flavorings.

Making Vrat-Friendly Shrikhand

To ensure shrikhand is suitable for fasting, follow a vrat-friendly recipe. This means being mindful of every ingredient, from the sweetener to the final garnish. Using pure, natural ingredients aligns with fasting goals.

Essential Ingredients for Fasting Shrikhand

Hung Curd (Chakka): The base is strained yogurt. You can make this at home by hanging yogurt in a muslin cloth to drain the whey, or use plain Greek yogurt.
Sweetener: Instead of regular granulated sugar, opt for powdered mishri (rock sugar) or jaggery. Some fasts permit regular sugar, but many traditionalists prefer these more natural alternatives.
Saffron (Kesar): Saffron strands soaked in milk are a common and permitted flavoring. They provide color and aroma.
Cardamom (Elaichi): Cardamom powder is a standard spice used during fasts.
Nuts and Dry Fruits: Almonds, cashews, and pistachios are typically allowed and add a delightful crunch.
Fruits: For a fruit-flavored shrikhand, use fresh, whole fruits like mangoes or strawberries, avoiding any canned or processed fruit preparations.

Ingredients to Avoid

Common Table Salt: Regular salt is often avoided, and sendha namak (rock salt) is used instead.
Onion and Garlic: These are considered tamasic and are prohibited in fasting foods. Ensure any store-bought shrikhand does not contain these.
Processed Additives: Preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors are not considered pure and should be avoided.

The Health Benefits of Shrikhand During a Fast

Beyond its religious significance, shrikhand offers several health benefits that are particularly valuable during a fast, when the body needs sustenance and energy.

Rich in Protein: Hung curd is a concentrated source of protein, helping to keep you full for longer.
Probiotic Properties: The yogurt base contains beneficial probiotics, aiding digestion and promoting good gut health, which is crucial when observing a modified diet.
Energy Booster: A serving of shrikhand provides a quick energy source due to its natural sugars and fat content, which can combat fatigue.
Rich in Minerals: As a dairy product, shrikhand is rich in calcium and phosphorus, vital for bone health.

Comparison: Fasting vs. Non-Fasting Shrikhand Ingredients


Ingredient Category	Permissible for Fasting (Vrat)	Standard (Non-Fasting) Preparation
Salt	Sendha Namak (Rock Salt)	Common Table Salt
Sweetener	Powdered Mishri, Jaggery, or Sugar	Granulated Sugar
Flavorings	Saffron, Cardamom, Rose Water, Nuts	Cardamom, Saffron, Rose, other flavorings
Fruits	Fresh, unprocessed fruits	Canned fruit pulp, processed fruit flavorings
Base	Homemade hung curd or plain Greek yogurt	Any variety of commercial yogurt, potential additives
Additives	Strictly avoided	May contain preservatives or artificial flavors

Conclusion: A Permissible and Nutritious Fasting Treat

Shrikhand is ok for fasting when the preparation uses vrat-friendly ingredients. Hung curd is a pure and acceptable food item for most Hindu fasts. With simple adjustments, such as replacing table salt with rock salt and using natural sweeteners, this dessert can be enjoyed guilt-free. Its high protein and probiotic content make it an excellent choice for maintaining energy and digestive health during a fast. Moderation is key, allowing enjoyment of this traditional sweet while staying true to the spiritual and dietary intentions of your fast. Many recipes for vrat-special shrikhand are available online.

How to Prepare Vrat-Friendly Shrikhand

Begin by draining fresh yogurt in a muslin cloth for several hours to create hung curd, known as chakka.
In a bowl, combine the hung curd with powdered mishri or jaggery and a pinch of cardamom powder.
Whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, or until soft peaks form if using an electric beater.
Soak saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk and then mix into the shrikhand for color and flavor.
Garnish with chopped fasting-approved nuts like almonds or pistachios and chill before serving.

A Balanced Approach to Fasting

While shrikhand can be part of a fasting meal, it's important to have a balanced diet. Incorporating fruits, nuts, and permissible millets will provide a complete nutritional profile and help you stay energized throughout your fast. Enjoy shrikhand as a dessert or as a source of energy, but remember to complement it with other nutritious fasting foods for a balanced approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shrikhand is allowed during most Hindu fasts because its primary ingredient, hung curd, is a sattvic food item. Since dairy products are generally permissible, the dish is acceptable as long as it is made with other vrat-friendly ingredients.

When preparing shrikhand for a fast, you should use sendha namak, or rock salt, instead of regular table salt. Rock salt is considered purer and is the standard salt for fasting meals.

While some fasts may permit regular sugar, it is generally recommended to use more traditional sweeteners like powdered mishri (rock sugar) or jaggery to keep the dish strictly vrat-friendly.

You should check the ingredient list of any pre-packaged shrikhand carefully. Many commercial products contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or processed ingredients that may not be suitable for fasting according to strict guidelines.

Hung curd, also known as chakka, is yogurt that has been strained to remove excess water, resulting in a thick, creamy texture. This process is essential for achieving the rich consistency characteristic of shrikhand and ensures the base is pure.

Yes, adding fresh fruits like mangoes or bananas is acceptable and can make the shrikhand more nutritious during a fast. Avoid using canned fruit pulp or processed fruit flavors.

Shrikhand offers several benefits, including a good dose of protein and calcium from the curd. The probiotics aid digestion, while the energy from its sugars can help prevent fatigue.